Rebecca Knowles has worn many hats in more than a quarter-century as a health care professional, but in every role she has assumed, she has remained focused on growing and evolving as an educator and leader. A graduate of the Master’s in Nursing Education program at the UR School of Nursing, Knowles has served as the nurse residency coordinator at Highland Hospital since 2017. In that role, she develops and implements educational and experiential programs to help build critical-thinking skills and self-confidence in newly graduated nurses. The program uses evidence-based nursing programs designed to bridge the gap between novice nurses and experienced, autonomous professional nurses, aiding the recent graduate in adapting to fast-paced environments and respond effectively to the challenges faced in nursing practice. In September 2019, Highland Hospital Nurses Residency Program was recognized as the 1st hospital in the region to be awarded the Practice Transitions Accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Prior to joining the UR Nursing faculty, Knowles served as a stroke coordinator and unit educator/leader at Highland Hospital and served as an adjunct clinical nursing instructor at Genesee Community College.
She began her career at Unity Health System, serving 22 years in a number of roles. She was a lead emergency technician from 1994-1999 before moving to cardiology. After earning her RN license in 2009, she served as a nurse on the cardiac/stroke unit, then in the ICU. She was named a hospital nursing supervisor in 2013.
A NY ambassador for the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation, she is a patient advocate and co-owner with her husband of the Western New York SADS Family Support and AED Loaner Program, which provides AEDs to families with cardiac issues warranting a need for CPR/AED training and support. She has been honored with the National SADS Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award and received the Robert L. Walker Award which recognizes individuals who are dedicated to making schools safer for those with heart conditions. She has also been named March of Dimes Nurse of the Year in Education and a finalist for Highland Hospital Excellence in Nursing awards.
Knowles received her associate degree from Monroe Community College, her bachelor’s from Empire State College, Advance Certificate in Online Teaching from UR Warner School of Education, and a master’s degree from the UR School of Nursing.
Current Focus
"Professional growth and development is a continuous journey for which I will be continuing with my studies at the University of Rochester Warner School of Education doctoral candidate program. "
